Liverpool join chase for Rennes sensation

LIVERPOOL are ready to compete with Borussia Dortmund for the signature of Rennes teenager Ousmane Dembele.

The striker has scored 12 goals in his first season as a professional, but he revealed on Tuesday that he will play his last game for Rennes this weekend, before adding that “he knows where he is going”.

The 18-year-old had previously indicated he would prefer to move to the Bundesliga, and he visited Dortmund’s training ground with his mother and representatives last month.

However, several sources believe Liverpool are now right in the mix.

The Guardian reports: “Along with European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich who have also scouted Dembele heavily this season, it is understood that Liverpool have moved into serious contention in the race to sign him, with Rennes asking for a fee potentially worth £27.6m with add-ons.

“Dembele is believed to have spoken to Reds boss Jurgen Klopp on the phone this week and is said to have been impressed by his plans for the Europa League finalists, although it is not clear when a decision will be made.”

The situation is complicated, though, by a potential legal wrangle between Rennes and Dembele’s long-term representative, with the French club understood to prefer to sell their young star to Dortmund, who have already indicated that they would be willing to meet their valuation having previously had a smaller bid rejected.

Dembele, who was voted young player of the year in France last week, has also been linked with Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and champions Leicester.